Following the successful completion of Local Council elections on May 6, Uganda’s ruling party—the National Resistance Movement (NRM)—continued its internal electoral process on Monday, May 12, with Parish Primaries witnessing an unexpectedly high voter turnout across the country.
In many parishes, the elections proceeded peacefully, with the party’s Electoral Commission announcing winners without major incident.
The continued voting for party structures is part of a broader effort to strengthen grassroots support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
However, in Masaka District, the process took a dramatic turn for one parliamentary aspirant.
Fred Pax Kalema, a contender for the Bukoto East Parliamentary seat and former Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bukomansimbi, suffered a surprising defeat in his own backyard—Buwunga Parish.
Kalema, who had recently resigned from his RDC role to focus on politics, contested for the position of NRM Parish Chairperson but was decisively beaten by Ms. Mary Goreth Kamukama.
Kamukama secured 77 votes to Kalema’s 36, a result seen as a major political blow to his ambitions.
Kalema is expected to face stiff competition in the upcoming NRM primaries for the Bukoto East Parliamentary seat.
Among those eyeing the party flag are former Ambassador John Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu, incumbent flag bearer, Sarah Babirye Kityo, and bush war veteran Kizito Nsubuga Majemaje—all of whom are mobilizing significant political support.
Kalema’s failure to win even a parish-level race casts doubt on his prospects in the larger contest.
“He accepted the results quietly. He had supported multiple candidates in the earlier LC1 primaries, but most of them also lost,” an NRM supporter told this publication.
Adding to Kalema’s woes are allegations related to his public service record.
Sources claim he was involved in land grabbing operations while serving under the Office of the President in Bukomansimbi, allegedly collaborating with controversial figures to intimidate and exploit landowners.
Furthermore, this outlet has learned that Kalema may be facing legal hurdles.
Reports suggest he has a criminal conviction that could bar him from holding public office for up to seven years.
Questions have also been raised regarding the authenticity of his academic qualifications—a key requirement for Parliamentary candidacy.
Meanwhile, the NRM party continues with its internal electoral calendar, with the next phase set to take place at the sub-county level as part of its effort to promote democratic values, human rights, and political freedoms nationwide.
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